Participants of the 2000 and 2001 ASM Undergraduate Education Conferences were given the task of developing recommendations for various microbioloby curricula. The results of their efforts are outlined in this article published in the Fall 2001 issue of Focus on Microbiology Education

Microbiology Curriculum RecommendationsPublished in Focus on Microbiology Education 10/1/2001. Participants of the 2000 and 2001 ASM Undergraduate Education Conferences were given the task of developing recommendations for various microbiology curricula. The results of their efforts are outlined in the articles below, which provide guidelines for non-major’s curricula.

Science Course for Non-science and/or General Education Majors

BackgroundThese recommendations are intended for the student who is not a science major and is likely to take one general biology course. The course would not have any science prerequisites.

RecommendationsThe course should include the following content relevant to microorganisms. More than likely the material will be integrated into broader topic areas such as cellular structure that might emphasize the similarities and differences of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Programs that offer a stand-alone microbiology course should use the ASM guidelines for a Microbiology course outlined previously. For programs that do not offer a one-semester, stand-alone course, the following content should be incorporated in the general science course. The principles of evolution, genetics, diversity, and ecology are integral to all disciplines of biology and must be included in the teaching of microbiology.

Content knowledgeI.Central role of microbes in biology

A.What is a microbe? B.Diversity of habitat C.Informational control—genetics D.Adaptability

1.Phenotypic 2.Genotypic

II.Influences and impact of microbes

A.Biosphere

1.Sustainability 2.Ecological relationships

B.Interrelationships with humans

1.Historical perspective 2.Foods and products 3.Health and disease

a.Immune responses b.Epidemiology and disease transmission

4.Contemporary and societal impact

Skills

Using scientific principles to make informed decisions

Visually examining microbes from natural sources

Investigating microbial life

Comprehending the extremes of very small organisms and very large numbers (e.g., populations of microbes; years of existence)

Practicing laboratory safety

Effectively communicating scientific information

Presenting and interpreting information in graphic and text form

Biotechnology Programs

BackgroundThe recommendations reflect the themes for an Introductory Microbiology course.

RecommendationBiotechnology programs should include in their requirements a course in microbiology that has a mandatory laboratory component. Topics that are felt to be essential or very important to these programs are in bold type. The principles of evolution, genetics, diversity, and ecology are integral to all disciplines of biology and must be included in the teaching of microbiology.

These are expensive programs requiring capital, equipment, disposable supplies, and faculty development

Microbiology course should be followed by practical laboratory experience (e.g., university research or internship)

Industry personnel may serve on an advisory board

Industrial partners may have adjunct status.

Biology Majors Not Majoring in Microbiology

RecommendationAll graduates with a degree in Biology should know the content areas listed below and be able to demonstrate the listed skills. This would best be achieved by requiring a course in microbiology with a mandatory laboratory component. The topics and skills could be integrated into common core courses of biology majors, with specific microbiological examples. Evolution, genetics, diversity, and ecology are integral to all disciplines of biology. The central role of microbes in biology, their unique metabolic and organismal diversity, and their role in history from the origin of life to modern times must be included in all biology programs.

Content knowledgeI.Microbial cell biology

A.Information flow within a cell and between cells B.Cellular structure and function C.Growth, division, and death D.Cell energy metabolism E.Regulation of cellular activities

BackgroundThe recommendations reflect the themes for an Introductory Microbiology course.

RecommendationAllied Health programs should include in their requirements a course in microbiology. Topics that are felt to be essential or very important are in bold type, with estimates given for the percent of time devoted to each area. The principles of evolution, genetics, diversity, and ecology are integral to all disciplines of biology and must be included in the teaching of microbiology.